ENVS 260: Ch10 Air Quality

Everyday Environmental Science: Air Pollution Life Expectancy Part C: Based strictly on increases in air pollution over the past few decades, where would we expect to see the greatest decrease in life spans? We would expect to see a decrease in life span in __________.

Beijing, China

Interpreting Graphs and Data: Concentration of Air Pollutants Part E: What is most likely to have caused the rapid increase in photochemical smog between 8 A.M. and 11 A.M.?

reactions of nitrous oxides (NOx) and VOCs with oxygen in sunlight

Everyday Environmental Science: China Pollution & Weather Part D: Snow and ice accumulations in California's mountains are carefully monitored because __________.

they contribute to the main water source for most of the residents of the state

Interpreting Graphs and Data: Air Pollution and the Atmosphere Part B: If the U.S. population in 1970 was approximately 200 million people, what was the approximate population by 2006?

300 million people

Interpreting Graphs and Data: Air Pollution and the Atmosphere Part D: Energy consumption and aggregate emissions have also changed over time. Whereas the ratio of energy consumption to emissions was 1:1 in 1970, by 2006 the ratio was _________.

3:1

Interpreting Graphs and Data: Concentration of Air Pollutants Part G: Which of the following factors would be most likely to lead to an overall increase in the level of photochemical smog?

a temperature inversion

Everyday Environmental Science: China Pollution & Weather Part B: In general, China's air pollution __________.

decreases rainfall in California

Concept Review: Air Pollution Impacts Part A: Drag the air pollution impact on the left to the description on the right. Terms may be used once, more than once, or not at all.

1.Concentrations are elevated by hot, sunny days: Photochemical smog 2.Increases exposure of organisms to ultraviolet light Stratospheric ozone depletion 3.Caused by halocarbons, such as chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs): Stratospheric ozone depletion 4.Forms from emissions of sulfur dioxide: Acid deposition 5.Montreal Protocol aimed to reduce emissions that cause this: Stratospheric ozone depletion 6.A reaction between pollutants and atmospheric compounds that creates over 100 different chemicals: photochemical smog 7.Leaches plant nutrients from soils: Acid deposition 8.Most pronounced in cities prone to inversion events: Photochemical smog

Interpreting Graphs and Data: Air Pollution and the Atmosphere Part A: What was the percent change from 1970 to 2006 for vehicle miles traveled?

+175%

Global Connection: Air Pollution Part B:As you've just learned, air pollution can negatively affect the environment and human health. Some people may be at higher risk for respiratory problems due to increased exposure to air pollution. From the list below, choose the 6 individuals that are most likely to have health issues related to air quality.

- Esse works at, and lives a few kilometers from, a lead smelting plant in Kenya. - Roman has asthma and lives in a wild coniferous forest in Russia. - Haiyan works in a cigarette smoke-filled casino in China. - Ezechiel is a farmer in Chad. His family uses wood as a fuel source for heat and cooking. - Andres remodels buildings in Mexico that were constructed in the 1960s. - Andranik is a traffic police officer in Ahwaz, Iran. He is primarily responsible for monitoring a major intersection for 8 hours per day. -Many nations have taken actions, such as setting emissions standards, to reduce the negative health and environmental impacts of air pollution. In many nations, air quality is monitored by governmental agencies. These agencies try to keep the public informed about air quality. For example, the United States Environmental Protection Agency uses its Air Quality Index.

Interpreting Graphs and Data: Concentration of Air Pollutants Part B: What was the concentration of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) at 8:00 A.M.?

0.35 ppm

Global Connection: Air Pollution Part C: When a community takes action on air quality, they have a specific goal in mind—the intended benefit. However, there are often additional benefits, called co-benefits, that result from the action to improve air quality. For example, suppose you were trying to reduce your carbon emissions and decided to ride your bike to work instead of driving your car. Not only would you reduce your carbon footprint, but you would also save money on gas and be healthier. Co-benefits are common when dealing with air quality issues. Below are four scenarios. For each scenario, the solution and intended benefit are indicated. Drag the appropriate co-benefits to each scenario.

1. wood-burning stoves... global warming co-benefit: less carbon is emitted into the air via biomass environmental co-benefit: less local forest is destroyed for fuel 2. in Mexico, construction workers... economic co-benefit: the workers and the company make more money due to less sick time 3. a lake near a power plant in Albania... human health co-benefit: people in the region inhale less sulfur dioxide economic co-benefit: the local fishing industry has a higher sustainable harvest 4. tourists in Iran... global warming co-benefit: less carbon is emitted into the atmosphere via fossil fuels human health co-benefit: people in the city inhale fewer pollutants environmental co-benefit: plant life around the city becomes healthier -As you can see, there are multiple co-benefits in some scenarios. Many actions that improve air quality also help to mitigate global warming, protect human health, and reduce degradation of the environment. For example, a nation may not be inclined to combat global warming. Yet if that nation takes action to reduce the negative health effects of smog, those actions may also reduce CO2 emissions and therefore impact global warming. Modern regulations tend to include greater consideration of co-benefits because they provide a more holistic picture of an issue's costs and benefits.

Interpreting Graphs and Data: Concentration of Air Pollutants Part D: In which period was the concentration of photochemical smog highest?

11:00 A.M. to 3:00 P.M.

Interpreting Graphs and Data: Air Pollution and the Atmosphere Part E: In an effort to further reduce emissions, a government panel is considering several policy options. For the trends on the graph, which of the following policies could have the biggest long-term impact on lowering emissions?

A mandated switch to electric cars with a solar and wind-powered electrical grid to "fuel" the cars

Everyday Environmental Science: Air Pollution Life Expectancy Part A: Which of the following has contributed to longer life spans in the United States?

All of the listed responses are correct. 1.Decreased air pollution 2.Improved diet 3.Improved health care

Global Connection: Air Pollution Part A:Air pollution occurs all over the world. There are many types of air pollutants, and there are many sources of those pollutants. Different pollutants have varying influences on human and environmental health. Match each air pollutant to its source(s) and its negative effect(s).

Asbestos Source: A flame retardant found in many older building materials. Negative effect: Causes lung disease and lung cancer. CFCs Source: Enter the air through refrigerants and propellants. Negative effect: Destroy the ozone layer. Radon Source: A naturally occurring radioactive gas. Negative effect: Causes lung cancer. Combustion by products Source: Enter the air through burning wood, coal, waste, etc. Negative effect: Cause respiratory problems and can contribute to global warming. Biological contaminants Source: Naturally occurring organisms, or parts/products of organisms. Negative effect: Cause a variety of diseases and allergies. Sulfur dioxide Source: Enters the air through burning of coal, smelting, and vehicle emissions. Negative effect: Causes acid deposition in terrestrial and aquatic communities. Smog Source: A complex mix of chemicals from a variety of urban sources such as cars. Negative effect: Causes respiratory problems and can contribute to global warming. Pesticides Source: Chemicals used to destroy insects. Commonly used in agriculture. Negative effect: Cause digestive and nervous system dysfunction. Mercury Source: Enters the air through burning of fossil fuels, waste incineration, and smelting. Negative effect: Accumulates at the top of food chains. Causes nervous system damage. -As you can see, there are many kinds, sources, and consequences of air pollution. Some consequences harm the environment while others harm human health.

Interpreting Graphs and Data: Air Pollution and the Atmosphere Part C: Over the time period shown on the graph, both population and vehicle miles traveled have changed. Describe the relationship between the two factors.

By 2006, people were driving about twice as many miles per person as in 1970.

Interpreting Graphs and Data: Concentration of Air Pollutants Part F: What is most likely to have caused the levels of ozone and photochemical smog to decline after 4:00 P.M.?

The production of smog declined as the amount of sunlight decreased.

Everyday Environmental Science: Air Pollution Life Expectancy Part B: On average, it appears that over the past 25 years, improved air quality in the United States has resulted in __________ in the lifespan of the average individual.

an increase of about five months

Interpreting Graphs and Data: Concentration of Air Pollutants Part A: What does the y-axis show?

concentration of pollutants, in parts per million

Everyday Environmental Science: Air Pollution Life Expectancy Part D: Which of the following describes the greatest health risk posed by air pollution? Air pollutants __________.

damage blood vessels in human lungs

Interpreting Graphs and Data: Concentration of Air Pollutants Part C: What is most likely to have caused the increase in atmospheric nitrogen oxide (NO) between 4 A.M. and 7 A.M.?

exhaust from vehicles during morning rush hour

Everyday Environmental Science: China Pollution & Weather Part C: How do dust particles from the vast deserts in China affect weather patterns? The dust __________.

increases the chances of rainfall in California

Everyday Environmental Science: China Pollution & Weather Part A: How does China's air pollution get to the United States? China's air pollution __________.

is moved by the jet stream to the west coast of the United States